Journal Inquirer Editor Gives Up News Duties To Run For Senate

May 28, 1992

MANCHESTER — The Journal Inquirer newspaper has given its managing editor, Chris Powell, a leave of absence from his news-related duties so he can run for the state Senate, the newspaper reported Wednesday.

Powell, 42, of Manchester, has been considering running as a Republican and challenging incumbent Democrat Michael P. Meotti in the 4th Senate District since at least February. A formal announcement is expected Friday.

Details of Powell's new responsibilities were not disclosed by the newspaper, but it said Powell would remain on the newspaper's payroll.

The paper said a memorandum announcing changes in Powell's responsibilities was circulated Wednesday morning to staff. Neither Journal Inquirer publisher Elizabeth S. Ellis nor Powell was available for comment Wednesday.

Earlier this month, Powell surrendered his authority over the newspaper's editorial pages, where he regularly wrote the paper's unsigned editorials.

Until now, however, he has remained the paper's top news executive, even as Journal Inquirer reporters have covered his prospective candidacy.

The newspaper has published six stories related to Powell's candidacy and the resulting changes in his employment status